SSRT Viaduct Closed

From Larry Mays (SSRT)

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Members,
Last year the Federal Surface Transportation Board ruled in favor of RJCorman Railroad Company and the 9.3 miles of railbanked railroad bed from Black Bear to Gorton be reactivated. The Corman Railroad Company has decided that the Via-duct Bridge presents too much of a liability to bear and has decided to close the bridge to all users, effective immediately. The SSRTA is asking all members to respect the wishes of the Corman Railroad Company and refrain from using the Via-duct Bridge. We are sorry for the inconvience but are presently working with the railroad company for the usuage of the trail from Black Bear to the Via-duct Bridge and the Via-duct Bridge to Gorton.

This same article will be posted on the ssrt web site soon. You will also see some RJCorman equipment by the Via-duct Bridge closing it off shortly. We ask for your patience while we are working out the details for the trail usuage.

Recently, Headwaters Trust sold us the entire 19 miles of Railroad Bed. However, the 9.3 mile section was reactivated, so we need to work on a usuage lease agreement, even though the SSRT now owns it. Sound confusing - it is but it's the law.

Thanks for your continued support and cooperation.

What a shame, was a very enjoyable area to ride. I believe Corman is also behind DNR closing and patroling the "side trails" also.

Guess I did the right thing by not buying 2013 permits.

I will always have fond memories of that place, they can't take those away.

I'm glad I got a chance to ride across the tressel when I did.

Glad I rode it one last time last friday. There's pretty much no point to head out that way now. On a side note, ssrt put in fence/gate at the gilliantown parking lot limiting the width like the rest of the gates. Wonder if I can get a refund?

Looks like I need to look for another place to ride for a day trip.

That Sux!!!!!!!!!

I loved that palce

It was fun while it lasted. Maybe they can work it out to get it reopened

Sad the time and effort that was put into the Black Bear Trailhead and parking lot.

Here's the latest email:

Attention SSRT Members:
Last year the Federal Surface Transportation Board ruled in favor of RJ Corman and the 9.3 miles of railbanked railroad bed from Black Bear to Gorton is reactivated. The Corman Railroad Company has decided that the Via-duct Bridge presents too much of a liability to bear and has decided to close the bridge to all users, effective immediately. The SSRTA is asking all members to respect the wishes of the Corman Railroad Company and refrain from using the Via-duct Bridge. We are sorry for the inconvience but are working with the Railroad Company for the usuage of the trail from Black Bear Trailhead to the Via-duct Bridge and the Via-duct Bridge to Gorton.

Work Detail Update 3/30/2013‏

The SSRT held a work detail on March 30,2013. The Centre County Probation Office provided some good workers that were supervised by SSRT members. Andy Basalla & Ed Thomas utilized a crew to brush hemlocks that were covering the ditch line near Rock Run Bridge. Eileen & Terry Long utilized a crew to paint the Clarence & Number 10 gates and railings. They also collected trash along the Clarence Road by Newman's Sandwich Shop and the Tennessee Turnpike. Jim Verost, George Holt, Eric Brooks worked with crews to install a corporate sign at the Gillentown Trailhead. Trilby Mayes worked with a crew to sand and paint the newly installed railing and post for the Gillentown Trailhead Access Control Project. Ken Mehallow lead a crew to collect trash along route 144 from Old Star Garden to the Yellow Light in Moshannon. Jack Miller lead a crew to collect trash on the entire trail from Number 10 Bridge to Black Bear Trailhead. Jack also clean one set of trench drains on the Number 10 Bridge. Brandon Books & Jake Homan also ran the skid steer and Kubota Backhoe digging holes for signs and smoothing out rough spots. Great job done by all.

PICTURES

Guess they don't want anybody on the bridge along with the fence I see 10+ feet of RR ties missing

Was fun while it lasted

Work Detail - Tues., Oct. 29th
The Rush Township Supervisors requested at their October Meeting that the SSRT install both missing atv crossing signs on the Casanova Road. They also stated that recently the road was tarred & chipped and the crossing would need to be repainted. They suggested we do it asap. So, Eric Brooks took care of ordering the material needed and scheduled the work detail on Tuesday, October 29,2013. Those helping at the work detail were: Eric Brooks, George Holt, Terry Long, Ken Mehallow, Jack Miller, Jim Verost and Larry Mayes.

So, I emailed ssrt with a question regarding them getting the black bear trail head and the trail use back. They got the use of the trailhead and trail back giving us more to "ride"

Thanks for getting that info. for everyone.
Maybe we'll try it next year again.